Northeast Philadelphia was faced with an unprecedented disaster on January 31, 2025, when a Learjet 55 medical plane plummeted from the sky just moments after takeoff. The accident and subsequent explosion claimed several lives, injured numerous others, and cast debris across several city blocks of the Castor Gardens neighborhood. The crash significantly impacted local businesses, with several in the direct area sustaining heavy damage.

As the critical recovery efforts and clean up started in the neighborhood, Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard – typically bustling commercial corridors – were brought to a halt. The busy thoroughfare remained closed for two days. The nearby Roosevelt Mall, home to several dozen stores, was closed for four days.

To help alleviate the undue financial burden this tragedy has placed on local businesses, I am proposing the application of targeted grants and loans under the Community Development Bank Grant and Loan program for businesses closely impacted by the tragedy.

I hope you will consider joining me and my Northeast colleagues in the House by co-sponsoring this legislation to provide much-needed relief for businesses impacted by the devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.

Under our proposal, the Pennsylvania Economic Development Financing Authority would issue grants to community development financial institutions (CDFIs) to provide technical assistance, training, or other support to businesses impacted by the crash. In addition, CDFIs would be able to provide loans to these impacted businesses to help them repair and reopen.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 715 (Apr 30, 2025): P.L.434, No.67